In a recent filing with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Richmond, Va.-based Appalachian Power, a unit of American Electric Power, is seeking approval of a plan to meet a 12% renewable energy goal for 2022 by increasing the generation of electricity supplied by renewable sources, including wind and hydro.

"This is a significant step forward for Appalachian Power and its Virginia customers as the company commits to a broader mix of resources within the generation portfolio we'll rely on for meeting our service area's future power needs," says Dana Waldo, president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power. "The commonwealth's energy policy encourages the generation of electricity in ways that do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and we've put a plan before the commission that is consistent with that policy and allows us to meet specific goals established by the legislature."

According to the utility, Appalachian Power's plan is the first generation plan made by a Virginia utility under the voluntary renewable portfolio standard established by the Virginia General Assembly.